17th May 2013

Spanish Civil War: Nationalist successes vs. Republican failures

Nationalist successes
Francos old-school tactics were suited well to the length of the war ie war of attrition exposed the weaknesses of his opponents Initally divided conservatives (supporters of CEDA) wanted order, no communism, no corrupt politicians, ban trade unions, reassert authority of Army and Church The Falange wanted social revolution, to break power of aristocracy and middle class Carlists and monarchists wanted Spain to have a king again Franco = crucial in uniting Nationalists, decisive leadership asserted authority in army, which controlled growing Nationalist zone, Franco was named Generalissimo Franco: acquired aid from abroad, gained respect for military successes, shrewd politician (kept his position unclear) Fascist leader Primo de Rivera gets executed in November so Franco merged Carlist party and the Falange into a single movement, with himself as leader ensured Nationalist unity

Republican failures
Didnt expect a war of attrition lack of resources Division/Factionalism in the left-wing: e.g. between Anarchists and Marxists, between the Spanish Communist Party (believed Spain wasnt ready for a revolution) and the Trotskyite POUM (wanted an immediate revolution) The PSOE was divided: right-wing wanted greater rights for workers, whereas some on the left were closer to POUM Middle class liberals rejected any revolution

Factional fighting: Caballero of the PSOE became Prime Minister in September in hope of uniting anti-Nationalist forces Ideological differences were too great, Republican government had to fight against the radicals in its own territory Middle-class liberals, PSOE and Communists thought a disciplined, centralized and traditional army was best Anarchists/POUM favoured a decentralized and democratic peoples militia Republican planes, based in Madrid, didnt have range to fly to the north Carpet bombing at Guernica targeted civilians, to break will of civilians/force surrender/crush resistance in the region Republicans couldnt form a united defense in the north political and cultural divisions between the three northern regions

Control of the air: use of German Condor Legion Capture of Alcazar boosted Nationalist morale and Franco gained further support Cut off the Republics northern outpost so it had no support Nationalist navy blockaded the northern shores, so no supplies could reach by sea Civil war = four phases:

1. July 1936-February 1937, Nationalists tried and failed to capture Madrid 2. March 1937, they began to advance northwards towards Asturias, Santander 3. July-December 1937, Republicans mounted unsuccessful counter-attack in the south 4. 1938-39, Nationalists advanced west towards the Mediterranean